Serotonin and neuroplasticity - Links between molecular, functional and structural pathophysiology in depression
Christoph Kraus1, Eero Castrén2, Siegfried Kasper3
1NEUROIMAGING LABs (NIL) - PET & MRI & EEG & Chemical Lab Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Medical University of Vienna.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|March 27, 2017
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may restore juvenile-like brain plasticity in adults with depression. Combining these treatments with other plasticity enhancers could improve major depressive disorder outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Serotonin and neuroplasticity are crucial for development and are implicated in depression.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can reactivate juvenile-like neuroplasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To bridge preclinical and clinical research on serotonin and neuroplasticity in major depressive disorder (MDD).
- To explore how SSRI-induced neuroplasticity changes can inform clinical antidepressant treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review linking preclinical findings with clinical studies in MDD.
- Analysis of structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data in patients and animal models.
- Examination of the role of developmental plasticity, synaptic serotonin, and neurogenesis.
Main Results:
- Dysfunctional developmental plasticity affects cognitive and emotional functions.
- SSRIs can reverse disease-state-specific gray matter reductions observed in MDD patients.
- Animal models suggest serotonergic neuroplasticity changes contribute to reduced neuronal density and hippocampal volume in depression.
Conclusions:
- SSRI treatment may reverse neuroplasticity deficits in MDD.
- Combining SSRIs with plasticity-enhancing interventions like ketamine, exercise, or learning may improve treatment efficacy for depression.
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